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George C. Burmeister diary, 1861
1861-08-08 -- 1861-08-09
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Thurs. 8. Our company was detailed for picket guard. I was excused from duty on account of having a large abscess on my left knee, which is very painful in walking, and feeling otherwise unwell. Just before dinner the alarm was given that the enemy were coming, all our teams were sent toward town, and the men drawn up in line of battle, thus anxiously awaiting the attack. I might have gone to town but, I thought, I could stand and fight, so I prepared myself. Aids were gallopping to and fro with messages, the town was deserted by its inhabitants, taking all valuables with themselves; every place beheld the busy preparation for war. But after all this confusion, it was nothing but a shameful ruse, which was circulated by some of the ignorant home guards, whose fearful imagination is very extensive. Though a small skirmish had taken place between our pickets and those of the enemy. About 9 o'clock P.M. the order to pack up was given. Gen. Lyon intended to make an attack. But after we were ready to go the order was countermanded, to the disgust of all the boys, who are very incredulous by this time. I had charge of the hospital tonight. Frid. 9. We are getting more to eat now than we formerly did, which is of course very agreeable to all concerned. The troops were marched off to attack the enemy Gen. Lyon spoke to the boys and told them to fire low, Capt. Cook told me to go to Springfield with the sick, being unable to march on account of the immense
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Thurs. 8. Our company was detailed for picket guard. I was excused from duty on account of having a large abscess on my left knee, which is very painful in walking, and feeling otherwise unwell. Just before dinner the alarm was given that the enemy were coming, all our teams were sent toward town, and the men drawn up in line of battle, thus anxiously awaiting the attack. I might have gone to town but, I thought, I could stand and fight, so I prepared myself. Aids were gallopping to and fro with messages, the town was deserted by its inhabitants, taking all valuables with themselves; every place beheld the busy preparation for war. But after all this confusion, it was nothing but a shameful ruse, which was circulated by some of the ignorant home guards, whose fearful imagination is very extensive. Though a small skirmish had taken place between our pickets and those of the enemy. About 9 o'clock P.M. the order to pack up was given. Gen. Lyon intended to make an attack. But after we were ready to go the order was countermanded, to the disgust of all the boys, who are very incredulous by this time. I had charge of the hospital tonight. Frid. 9. We are getting more to eat now than we formerly did, which is of course very agreeable to all concerned. The troops were marched off to attack the enemy Gen. Lyon spoke to the boys and told them to fire low, Capt. Cook told me to go to Springfield with the sick, being unable to march on account of the immense
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